LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 02/01/13 -- MINI Plant Oxford is the home and birthplace of MINI, and for young people with a passion for manufacturing and business, there is a chance to apply for an apprenticeship.

The company is currently recruiting for a further 32 apprentices at the Oxford Plant, and 13 more recruits for the Swindon and Hams Hall sites. An apprenticeship at MINI Plant Oxford lasts between three and four years. These apprenticeships will lead to an NVQ Level 3 qualification, as well as giving apprentices the chance to continue learning through to degree level, which will give them further opportunity in the workplace. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to earn whilst learning, meet new people and make contacts, and the training is recognised across the country, enabling work location flexibility.

An apprenticeship at MINI will teach all recruits a variety of skills, ranging from human resources and the business side of the company, to electrical maintenance and engineering. MINI is one of the most well known brands in the automobile industry, producing a huge range of cars, including roadsters, convertibles and hatchback cars. MINI are offering two different forms of apprenticeships, 'Technical' and 'Business and IT'. Those who are accepted onto the technical apprenticeship scheme will also study at Plant Oxford's training school. This school has only recently been opened, and provides all apprentices with brand new classrooms, computer study areas and a fully equipped workshop for the practical aspects of the training.

Apprentices on the Business and IT scheme will be expected to go to Abingdon and Witney College, in partnership with Oxford Brookes University to enhance their learning and training.

The head of Apprentice and Adult Training at BMW (UK), Simon Farrall said: "Investment in skilled young people is a key part of our development strategy for the plant. It is vital that we attract the very best young talent to ensure the business has the right skills for the future, and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer young people a chance to join our modern apprenticeship programme."

Applications for apprenticeships are being accepted until March 1st 2013, and the scheme will begin in August. The apprenticeships are suitable for both school and college leavers, and applications can be made either through the company's new Facebook page, or through Plant Oxford's website.